Criffel by the Ardwall path

Criffel may be only 569 metres high, but its modest altitude belies its prominence, rising as the highest hill for miles around and dominating the Solway coastline. The ascent is short but steep and rewarded with stunning views of the Solway, its estuaries and across to the English Lake District.

Terrain

Excellent path through forestry, then clear but very boggy path on the open hill.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Ardwall car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 506m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX970634

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Criffel

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a walkers car park at the end of the unsigned minor road to Ardwall. From the car park entrance, cross the track to the farm and go through the kissing gate opposite, signed 'Public path'. After a short distance take a track which branches to the right (waymarker post) and continue to a gate at the entrance to the forest.

Stage 2

Go through the gate and bear slightly right onto the start of an excellent newly constructed footpath. This climbs, gently at first, though the trees - this area was once planted with dense spruces but these have recently been felled and replaced with native trees. Soon the path reaches a track, with a signpost indicating 'New Abbey' to the right. Go straight across the track to continue up the path.

Stage 3

The path continues climbing, with the tumbling Craigrockall Burn on the right. Further up another track is reached - again go straight across this. Later, ignore a footbridge and stay on the main path until the top edge of the forestry is reached. Here the superbly made path ends suddenly and the ascent becomes far less pleasant - step over the fence and follow the now extremely muddy path on the far side.

Stage 4

This bears left up the heather slope, aiming directly towards the top of Criffel. The going can be very wet indeed, but recompense is found in the ever-improving views looking back over Loch Kindar and the Nith Estuary beyond.

Stage 5

As the ground begins to level off another boggy path joins in from the right (this is the descent route from Criffel to New Abbey. The massive summit cairn - known as Douglas's Cairn - is a short distance beyond, with the trig point just over to its right. Criffel is unmatched as a viewpoint for the Solway Firth and the estuaries of its rivers, as well as looking across to the English Lake District, with Skiddaw the most prominent peak.

Stage 6

If returning to the start point, the return walk is back the same way, now with the advantage of the beautiful views ahead. Take care on the open part of the descent as the boggy ground can be very slippery.

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